Two and a half years ago, a routine blood test led doctors to tell us that they thought our youngest daughter, Willow, had leukemia. They were wrong. Unfortunately, the celebration was short lived. Turns out, Willow’s wonky blood numbers were due to a rare blood disorder called Chronic Benign Neutropenia. For those unfamiliar, neutropenia is … More The Power of a Little Hope
Warning: If you’re looking for a cheery, inspirational post, come back some other time. This one promises to be dark, ugly and depressing. Still reading? Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m angry. I’m angry that life is so bleeping hard sometimes. I’m angry that swearing is naughty, because it feels really good to say … More The Ugly Truth
My head has been spinning for a week now. I thought it would slow down over time, but it hasn’t. It all started last Wednesday. Willow met with her hematologist. Apparently her blood work showed extremely low levels of neutrophils. For those just joining our story, neutrophils are a type of white blood cell needed … More The Weighting Game
I spend so much of my time being angry. Not at a person, but neutropenia. Chronic benign neutropenia, to be exact. Doctors define it so simply. Neutropenia is when your body doesn’t produce enough neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell needed to fight infection. For my 19 month old daughter, Willow, neutropenia … More Forgiving My Daughter’s Attacker
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 This quote from the bible looks all cute scribbled on a chalkboard in my dining room, but lately, it’s been annoying me. Be joyful… always?? Is that a joke, God? I know … More Being Joyful Always
Me Tired. That about sums up how I feel these days. Life is so jam packed with commitments that I feel like my head is in constant cloud. Thankfully… Willow is my sunshine… and as the song goes… she “makes me happy when skies are gray.” Willow has been doing some amazing things lately! Realizing … More You Are My Sunshine
“Chronic Benign Neutropenia.” That’s what Willow’s oncologist/hematologist is calling it. After months of head scratching… it’s nice to finally have a diagnosis… but I have to admit… I am going to miss calling it “crazy blood.” So what does this mean? Good question. Right now… it means Willow will be getting injections of Neupogen twice … More Afraid To Love
I hate roller coasters. My aging body just can’t handle em’ anymore. Simply put… they make me want to hurl. Unfortunately… I appear to be stuck on one right now. Earlier this month… we were in a valley. The duel diagnosis of bronchiolitis and a bowel hernia was nauseating. But surgery was a success and … More Stupid Roller Coasters
When I started this blog… I had such good intentions. Life was busy… but still manageable. My hope was to write once a week… at least. Well… I’m not sure that ever happened… and life never slowed down. In fact… it sped up… a lot. Busyness turned to chaos… and chaos is not manageable. Most … More Good Intentions
Willow never ceases to amaze us. She makes a hobby out of smashing stereotypes… conquering obstacles… and defying expectations. I guess you could say she likes to keep the world guessing. Just ask her doctor. Two weeks ago… I blogged about Willow’s blood count. Her neutrophil level was low and her doctor was fairly certain … More Huh?
The Mighty Willow 